Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1983. / Also available in print.

D.Litt. et Phil. (Social Work) / The rising divorce rate and the crisis surrounding divorce was the motivation for the researcher to undertake this study. The purpose of the study was to develop a groupwork program for divorce counselling. Groupwork was selected as a method especially because the developmental approach of Tropp (1976) strong I y s tresses shared problems and experiences - in this instance of divorce. :'-, The model contains five phases, although this study only dealt with the analysis, development and evaluation phases. Each phase comprises material conditions to be met as well as a number of operational steps to be followed. The model fits in particularly well with programme development and evaluation • The modeI further lends itself to the utilization of different theories and models which inform the theoretical foundation of the study, e.g • the stress and crisis mode 1 of Ahrons & Rodgers (1987), and Tripodi's (1983) programme evaluation model in the evaluation phase. The measuring instruments used in this study were five of the nine Hudson scales and a biographical questionnaire.

A previous thesis by Kerr and Kirkham (I963) indicated the extent to which caseworkers worked with groups in Vancouver. The present study continues this investigation, focussing on how caseworkers use themselves as change agents in such groups. An interview schedule was used to obtain from the workers the necessary data. This information was then classified according to the purpose and goals of the group, and the role of the worker, using the conceptual framework of Dr. J. Klein as model. The study revealed that each of the groups could be placed in one or the other of Klein's three categories: group education, social group treatment, or group psychotherapy. It was found that lack of clarity of purpose resulted in conflicting goals, with a consequent confusion in worker role. Most frequently, inexperience on the part of the agency or worker was the cause for confusion of purpose. It was seen that a written statement of purpose contributed to a clear perception of goal and role. The need for caseworkers to set conscious goals for each meeting was established. Particular attention was given the goals established in the first and final meetings: planned goals were common for the first meeting, inconsistency of appropriate goals common in the final meeting. Analysis of the difficulties on the part of most workers in their role in the group, suggest the following as possible causes: (1) lack of clarity of purpose; (2) lack of clarity of goals; (3) lack of knowledge of group process; (4) lack of necessary skills; and (5) confusion in professional identity. It is important that workers in the psychotherapy groups should have a clear perception of purpose and understanding of appropriate role. Some findings in relation to "open-ended groups" appear which agencies should take into consideration when planning such a group. Knowledge and training in social group work is obviously valuable for caseworkers if they are to work with groups; and the need is clear for further study to be undertaken of caseworkers working with groups. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

This thesis is a study of an experiment conducted by an experienced social group worker with a group of fifteen anti-social teen-age boys in the East End district of Vancouver. The writer's interest in this study has grown out of his concern for youngsters who come to neighbourhood houses and community centers and search.in vain for companionship and enjoyable activity. In spite of their apparent desire they are unable to feel at home and take part in the program services offered. Many of the youngsters, who experience this difficulty, drift toward membership in anti-social groups in an effort to find some measure of satisfaction. The anti-social teen-age group does not appear in a neighbourhood by chance but in response to the unmet social and personal needs of its members. These needs have not been met through community services because of certain attitudes and feelings on the part of the members, the nature of the gang organization they create to protect themselves, and the response of the community to the way in which they make their needs known. The group records of the East End Boys Project show the search of a group of youngsters for satisfying personal and group experiences. The members in this group had not been able to find a constructive means of satisfying their need for security, status, recognition and meaning in life. The project demonstrates that, through the relationship with a social group worker, the factors that prevented some of these youngsters from using the opportunities for social experience provided by the community, can be isolated and overcome. In the security of the informal club room with an accepting, understanding adult these youngsters are able to relax and seek the assistance they need. In this atmosphere the social worker can utilize group work skills and techniques and/his understanding of human behaviour in the re-direction of/anti-social attitudes and activities. Through the medium or the natural gang group the social worker is able to reach out and offer services to young people who otherwise could never be involved in the helping process. The anti-social teen-age gang is a symptom of an unmet social need in the community. Social work in its concern for unmet needs wherever they appear, has recognized this symptom and moved toward the devising of methods of isolating and treating the underlying social ailment. Social group work has a real contribution to make in work with anti-social youngsters but such a contribution, to be effective, must be co-ordinated and integrated with a total program of youth services in the community. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

No description available.

Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

none

Sexual offences are one of the most serious threats to South Africa's democracy. We hear again and again cries like: "Hang them!", "Prisons are a waste of taxpayers money", "We need to get more tough on criminals", and many others. On the other hand, the Correctional Services Department is mandated by parliament, by courts and by the public to render rehabilitation services to sexual offenders in their care. These outcries and mandates call for responsible and accountable service delivery to sexual offenders by social workers. This research investigated the responsiveness of sexual offenders to a therapeutic group work program. It entailed the development, implementation and evaluation of a sexual offender programme. Adapting specific modules of existing programmes, a cognitive-behavioural sexual offender programme for sentenced Juveniles was developed. The process of data collection was a comprehensive, intensive process. Data was obtained from a sample of eighteen adolescent sexual offenders that was divided into nine experimental group and nine control group. Using the group work method, the programme was implemented to the experimental group. The programme was evaluated in terms of its content, methods of implementation and outcome. The use of triangulated methodology of data collection and analysis enabled the researcher-practitioner to validate information derived from different sources. The outcome of this study revealed that the juvenile sex offenders responded positively to the cognitive-behavioural programme. This study is based on the premise that by working with the perpetrators of sexual crimes, you are protecting hundreds of lives from further harm. The positive improvement was in their self-concepts, attitude towards women, and cognitions. The programme is viewed as one module of the broader rehabilitation initiatives in the area of sentenced sexual offenders. The need for correctional services, communities and other stakeholders to join efforts in offender rehabilitation was emphasised. The provision of a supportive environment from which rehabilitation to take place was identified as one of positive influences of change. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, recommendations were made with regard to further adaptation of the programme, future programme development and implementation components, and the need for staff training in this field. Recommendations for further research are detailed. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.